Green Flag: rainy weather
The cancellation of the Enduro from Dinant somewhat threw a spanner in the works of the man with the green flag. Since he had already devoted more than half a page to one of the most beautiful enduros in the Benelux, when it became known that the competition was canceled. No panic, but no jubilation either.
And because bad news never comes alone, it was (unofficially) announced today that Avemott, the club that will host the Enduro from Estinnes would organize, the towel needs to be thrown in.
Also the FPCNA tomorrow's match Orp-le-Grand and the AMPLE motocross in Oreye have been cancelled.
This does not alter the fact that there will be racing and fighting on Sunday, primarily in Orp-Le-Grand, where Steve Ramon could possibly become Belgian champion at the Inters Open as early as Sunday. It remains to be seen to what extent Steve has recovered from the groin strain he suffered in the warm-up of the Brazilian GP. Even in the event of an off-day in Walloon Brabant, Ramon can still claim the title with a 44-point lead over Tanel Leok. Although it will be a fight in Mont-Saint-Guibert.
In the combined (Inters + Nationals) Radson MX2 Trophy performs Nick Trieste the position on. Triest had to make an extremely difficult choice this week between Orp-le-Grand and the 5e round of the ONK MX2 in Drenthe Emmen. You can read why it eventually became Orp here.
That means that Joel Roelants probably has the best cards to win the ONK MX2 title. Unless, Jeffrey herlings would return to competition prematurely (the last ONK match will take place on October 17 in Harfsen). However, if that does not happen, Roelants must still score a minimum of 86 points in four heats. If this does not happen, the title will anyway go to Herlings. If Roelants does win, it will be his third consecutive ONK MX2 title. A title that Roelants will probably defend in 2011 because the ONK takes precedence for the Negaan JM Racing KTM.
Maybe would BMB en KNMV We should sit down together this fall to ensure that both calendars do not clash with each other. Especially now that the MX2 European Championship will be added to the MX1/MX2 GPs from next year, there seems to be some room for maneuver. But then of course there should not be too many shifts with the GP calendar. The very best would of course be the arrival of a Benelux championship, but that thought alone may make some people shiver. To avoid sensitive toes, we will keep quiet about this, uh, delicate subject. In the meantime, one would almost forget that there was also a lot of training this week for the upcoming one GP of the Benelux in winch. Although we dare to wonder out loud how you can actually prepare for this very special Dutch sand hell on another circuit.
In addition to training on sand circuits, there was also plenty of testing. No, no test drives with 2011 models, nor testing any engine or suspension developments. This concerns the testing of engines from other teams by riders who are “free agents”. For example, we know of at least one Belgian top rider who completed laps at a secret location on the motorcycle of another team. However, we do not know to what extent the driver and his possible future team were impressed by each other.
It may seem quiet on the transfer market, but there are feverish calls, emails and conversations between brands, teams, managers and drivers. The next ten days will be crucial for certain deals. Both drivers and team managers will have to weigh up what will be the best deal for them for 2011. Expect a few high-profile transfers to be announced in Lierop. But new line-ups for 2011 will probably also be presented a week later in Fermo. Perhaps that Husqvarna will explain some things about their official return to the MX2 and/or MX1 GPs.
Maybe become one of those drivers Ken Dycker? Who knows, De Dycker's current team Ricci is tipped as an official Husqvarna team. This weekend Ken will be competing in Orp-le-Grand, although he originally planned to skip this competition after a disastrous Belgian Championship for his standards. In that case, Ken had the AMA National in Southwick driven. Just about the only AMA National on a real sand track. And who knows what that would have been?
This week it turned out that the AMA Nationals still have a huge appeal to non-Americans. Gareth Swanepoel grabbed a three-game mini-deal with Star Racing Yamaha with both hands on and Billy McKenzie was there like the chickens Chad Reed can be replaced on the factory Kawasaki. Even if this is only for two races. For the Lowlanders it is more likely that they will try to play a match there but fail to conclude an interesting deal with an American team. Whether this is due to the requirements of the teams or the conditions set by the drivers, we will leave it open.
Finally, a tip for those who want to see a freestyle spectacle for free. Those people should definitely head towards Zelzate tomorrow evening. You can find all the details with our friends at the Motor site.
Photo Credits: KTM Images/R. Scheidl, CDS Images
Also to read
MXGP Agueda: the live timing
The fifth MXGP of the year will be held this weekend. This time the caravan has arrived in Agueda, Portugal. You won't miss a second of all the action thanks to our…Will Anstie return to Star Racing-Yamaha?
The rumors that Max Anstie will return to Star Racing-Yamaha-MonsterEnergy are getting stronger! The Brit has a 'Supercross Only' deal with Fire Power Honda Team but given the problems within the…MXMag went to see the Free Energy Trailer in Olmen
The automotive sector is leading the way in vehicle electrification, and now the motorcycle industry is taking a similar step. However, developing a machine intended for competition use is a completely different matter…Robert Fobbe at the start in the USA!
Robert Fobbe will be in action for the first two (2) races of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship! The 23-year-old rider will…
Your reactions